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The Philippine Ports Authority is confident it will hit its targets this year while remaining bullish improved performance will continue next year
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PPA projects cargo throughput will grow 4.2% year-on-year to 301.47 million metric tons this year, while container traffic will improve 2.6% to 8 million TEUs
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Passenger traffic is forecast to increase 8.4% to 85.41 million passengers by year-end
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PPA targets P28.04 billion of revenue this year, 2.7% higher than its record-high annual revenue of P27.30 billion in 2024
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PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said among the biggest threats to port operations are extraordinary events relating to climate change
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is confident it will hit its cargo volume, passenger traffic, and revenue targets this year and bullish that its improved performance will continue next year, according to general manager Jay Daniel Santiago.
PPA projects cargo throughput handled by ports under its jurisdiction will reach at least 301.47 million metric tons (mt) this year, 4.2% higher than the 289.41 million mt recorded in 2024.
From January to October 2025, PPA has already recorded 262.84 million mt.
In terms of container traffic, PPA sees it reaching at least 8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), 2.6% up from the 7.8 million TEUs posted last year. From January to October 2025, container traffic was already at 7.139 million TEUs.
PPA also forecasts 85.41 million passengers by year-end, an increase of 8.4% from the 78.8 million passengers recorded last year. For the first 10 months of the year, PPA ports already handled 69.13 million.
For its revenue, PPA targets P28.04 billion this year, 2.7% higher than its record-high annual revenue of P27.30 billion last year. So far, PPA has already generated P24.97 billion in the first 10 months.
READ: PPA 10-month income surges 51% on higher vessel, cargo traffic
In a press briefing on December 15, Santiago said PPA is “always confident” that it will hit its targets.
“Sana lang walang mangyaring (Hopefully there will be no extraordinary) event which will have an effect on the projection and the activity para ma-reach natin yung target. But all things being equal under normal circumstances, kung business as usual, we’ll hit the target and exceed it,” he said.
For 2026, Santiago said PPA’s outlook “in so far as economic indicators are concerned, we’re very bullish” that volumes will continue to increase.
“I think the only things lang that will affect the outlook will be things that are beyond our control, which is… climate-related considerations,” he said, noting that weather disturbances can temporarily halt port operations.
READ: PPA assures steady flow of Cebu relief goods; activates Typhoon Paolo response
Moreover, Santiago said external issues such as the U.S. reciprocal tariff so far have no effect as cargo traffic continues to improve.
In 2025, the PPA completed major port projects in Capinpin, Romblon, Mauban, San Andres, Salamogue, Lamao, Currimao, Looc, Tagbilaran, Estancia, Banago, Dumaguit, Jordan, and Manoc-Manoc.
Several priority projects are also nearing completion, including the rehabilitation and retrofitting of Mati Port, Malalag Port expansion and restoration, construction of a Welcome Center at the Port of Jubang, wharf and breakwater works at the Port of Claveria, and the rehabilitation and improvement of Virac Port.
READ: PPA eyes GenSan port bidding within H1 2026
For next year, Santiago said PPA will be focusing on the repair and rehabilitation of ports that have been damaged by typhoons and earthquakes this year.— Roumina Pablo
